Yokohama's Minato Mirai district designated for decarbonization initiatives (© Sankei by Mizuho Miyazaki).
Hiroo Ichikawa, Professor at Meiji University and Executive Director of the Mori Memorial Foundation (MMF), recently unveiled the 2024 Japan Power Cities report. Launched in 2018, it examines the strengths and weaknesses of Japanese cities to inform policy development aimed at fostering urban sustainability and growth.
Drawing inspiration from the Global Power City Index (GPCI), the framework assesses 159 cities across several key categories, including Tokyo's 23 wards. This approach provides a comprehensive overview of urban dynamics.
Report Methodology
Ichikawa emphasized the comprehensive nature of the report. "The key point of this urban characteristics report is that through analysis, we can understand the strengths and weaknesses of various cities," he stated. "Our primary objective is to consider the sustainability and development of cities."
The report employs a structured methodology involving a committee of seven leading experts across various fields. Cities assessed include government-designated cities (over 500,000 population designated by the Cabinet), prefectural capitals, and those with populations over 170,000.
MMF's report is structured around six primary categories. They include economy/business, research/development, culture/exchange, quality of life/environment, and transportation/access. Each category is further divided into specific indicator groups. For instance, the economy/business category includes economic activity, employment, and business vitality.
The research and development category includes two groups. Meanwhile, the culture and exchange category covers five groups, including hard resources, soft resources, and dissemination performance. Quality of life is evaluated using seven indicators.
Meanwhile, the environment is assessed through five categories, including global warming measures and waste management. Transportation access is evaluated based on urban transit options, ease of access, and overall mobility convenience.
2024 Results and Trends
The 2024 results highlight several key trends in city rankings. "This year's survey reflects the impacts of the past three years of the pandemic," Ichikawa noted, emphasizing how the pandemic has influenced urban rankings.
Osaka emerged as the top city overall. It showcased strengths in multiple categories, particularly in economy/business and transportation. Nagoya, which climbed to second place, saw significant improvements in quality of life. This was largely due to increased support for children's medical expenses and strong performance in research and development.
Yokohama, Kyoto, and Fukuoka completed the top five, with Fukuoka experiencing a rebound in its rankings after a pandemic-related dip.
Kyoto, which previously held the top position in 2018, rebounded to fourth place in 2024. The city showed notable improvement in cultural exchange and environmental categories, reflecting a resurgence in international conferences and a stronger environmental score. Hiroshima and Tsukuba both entered the top ten for the first time based on significant progress in environmental and cultural exchange metrics.
Kamakura's sharp rise from 31st to 16th place is attributed to improved environmental factors and economic indicators, including increased remote work and enhanced living standards. "This marks Kamakura's first entry into the top 20 among Tokyo's suburban cities," Ichikawa remarked.
Minato Ward has emerged as the top performer in economic and business sectors, reflecting its balance of functions and new real estate developments. Chiyoda and Chuo wards also excelled in different areas, showcasing Tokyo's unique characteristics.
Challenges and Considerations
Additionally, the report sheds light on key challenges cities face, particularly concerning population decline and global warming. Ichikawa pointed out a notable misconception regarding Tokyo's low fertility. "It appears low due to the high influx of young women, not because of actual birth rates," he asserted. This highlights the need to interpret demographic data carefully and consider factors such as population influx.
Global warming trends were also evident, with rising temperatures in various regions. Tokyo frequently experiences summer temperatures exceeding 35°C, a shift toward a more tropical climate.
MMF's report indicates that northern regions like Kanto and Hokuriku have an urgent need for climate adaptation strategies. "The data shows that regions in northern Kanto, Hokuriku, Tohoku, and Hokkaido have seen a significant temperature rise," Ichikawa noted. His comment underlined the impact of global warming.
Future Outlook
The ongoing shifts in urban development following the pandemic and influenced by other factors, is also reflected in the report. "Looking forward, it's crucial to understand how cities might evolve post-COVID," Ichikawa stated, emphasizing the importance of future policy-making and urban planning.
The results underscore how cities are adapting and evolving. "This year's trends provide some insight into how cities might continue to develop and adapt," Ichikawa reflected. A comprehensive data book with detailed results will be published in the fall, providing further insights into the report and its implications for Japanese cities.
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Author: Daniel Manning
